Stow away collapsible fish cleaner

ABSTRACT

The Stow Away Collapsible fish cleaner is a V-shaped trough or holding tray with integral ends that performs similarly to welded or molded fish cleaners to securely hold fish for cleaning on the outside of the boat. The Stow Away is substantially different in that it is made up 7 integrally incorporated hinge assemblies which allow the devise to be folded completely flat without disassembly. The folded flat dimension is approximately 1.5″ inches including the 1 inch gunnel support flange. The devise is made ready by unfolding from the flat storage position to the V-shape with no assembly. The primary components are made of aluminum with stainless steel hinge pins making it strong and durable. The hinges are an integral part of each of six (6) parts interfacing with each other on seven (7) axis in this design. The devise rests on the side gunnel of the boat on the support flange, secured by web strap and a lever type harness clip (or other quick release connector) to the boat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The Stow Away Collapsible Fish Cleaner (devise is a fish cleaningtrough) was designed and created for boat fishermen to fill a void inthe market for a convenient and storable fish cleaner which works asgood as others on the market, but when folded flat for storage takes upa minimal amount of room. As a 7 piece aluminum unit, it is permanentlyaffixed together by integral hinges and stainless hinge pins, the unitopens into a “V” shaped trough with closed ends that allow fish to beplaced in the trough without risk of sliding out either end. A supportflange and two strap and hook assemblies affix the unit to the sidegunnel of the boat. The secured unit allows cleaning a fish over theside of the boat and lets blood and small viscera drain through thehinge assemblies, outside of the boat, by way of the space in the notchdesign which accommodates the turned hinge tab of the opposite side Thespace is adequate for drainage, yet is small enough to prevent loss ofnormal knives and cleaning accessories through the drain notches.

[0002] The primary design difference, not previously available, is:

[0003] The unit folds flat for convenient storage, unlike other unitswhich take up the bulk-space of the open trough dimensions.

[0004] The unit has integral hinge assemblies which are part of thepieces which form the unit based upon the seven (7) interlocking hingeinterfaces (although this design is an alternative to commerciallyproduced hinges welded into the same positions) and

[0005] The drainage slots do not allow loss of cleaning utensils such asstandard fillet knives, gut spoons, fish scaling tools, etc.

[0006] The unit provides a semi raised (5.5 inches above support flange,positioned on the existing gunnel of the boat) position which aids inease of cleaning the fish, or allows easier unhooking and release ofthose fish not intended to be kept.

[0007] This invention design was developed to meet the desire of guidesand sport fishermen for maximizing their useable boat space while stillmaintaining the convenience of being able to clean their catch in aquality apparatus designed to hold and clean fish in the PacificNorthwest.

[0008] The Stow Away Collapsible Fish Cleaner will fill similar needsand desires in areas outside of where it was developed and will apply tomuch broader scope than for what it was initially developed. Fishermenthat keep and clean fish and that are concerned for boat space, in manydemographic areas will find use for this device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The Stow Away Collapsible fish cleaner is a V-shaped trough orholding tray with integral ends that performs similarly to welded ormolded fish cleaners to securely hold fish for cleaning on the outsideof the boat. The Stow Away is substantially different in that it is madeup 7 integrally incorporated hinge assemblies which allow the devise tobe folded completely flat without disassembly. The folded flat dimensionis approximately 1.5″ inches including the 1 inch gunnel support flange.The devise is made ready by unfolding from the flat storage position tothe V-shape with no assembly. The primary components are made ofaluminum with stainless steel hinge pins making it strong and durable.The hinges are an integral part of each of six (6) parts interfacingwith each other on seven (7) axis in this design. The devise rests onthe side gunnel of the boat on the support flange, secured by web strapand a lever type harness clip (or other quick release connector) to theboat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] (The term Fig. and the corresponding first number is usedidentify the reference, i.e. FIG. 1 is page 1/9 (BWC2-001)

[0011]FIG. 0: Page 0/9 (BWC2-000) is the suggested cover drawing.

[0012]FIG. 1: Page 1/9 (BWC2-001) is the flat pattern layout of thefront, back and support flange parts 1, 2 and 7 identifying the parts bynumber as noted in the LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS USED ON DRAWINGS section.

[0013]FIG. 2: Page 2/9 (BWC2-002) is the flat pattern layout of thefront, back and support flange parts 1, 2 and 7 identifying the relateddimensions to correctly manufacture the identified parts.

[0014]FIG. 3: Page 3/9 (BWC2-003) is the flat pattern layout for parts 3and 6 and parts 4 and 5 identifying the parts and components by numberas noted in the LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS USED ON DRAWINGS section.

[0015]FIG. 4: Page 4/9 (BWC2-004) is the flat pattern layout of the endparts 3 and 6 and parts 4 and 5 identifying the related dimensions tocorrectly manufacture the identified parts.

[0016]FIG. 5: Page 5/9 (BWC2-005) is a 3-dimensional representation ofthe primary assembled 7 piece unit identifying the parts in relation tothe flat pattern representation of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0017]FIG. 6: Page 6/9 (BWC2-006) is a 3-dimensional representation ofthe primary assembled 7 piece unit identifying the exploded viewsrequired to show additional detail in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0018]FIG. 7: Page 7/9 (BWC2-007) is an exploded top view of the hingerepresentation between the primary parts, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Theinterface between these parts are {fraction (3/16)} stainless steelhinge pins (six each in FIG. 7).

[0019]FIG. 8: Page 8/9 (BWC2-008) is an exploded and assembled view ofthe bottom (horizontal) hinge assembly, including the {fraction (3/16)}″stainless steel hinge pin joining Parts 1 and 2.

[0020]FIG. 9: Page 9/9 (BWC2-009) is the dimensional and angleestimations of the typical hinge knuckle after bending of the hinge tab.

LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS USED ON DRAWINGS

[0021] (Numbers unless otherwise noted)

[0022] With regard to reference marks used, the following numbers areused throughout the drawings. These drawings are produced for use withthe provisional patent application as a reference to assist inunderstanding the invention and (either modified or unmodified) maybecome a part of the permanent record as called out in 35U.S.C.113. Dueto 35U.S.C.113 requirements for drawings on a Utility Patentapplication, drawings meeting all requirements accompany thisapplication.

[0023]1.—The front piece making up one wall of the collapsible fishcleaning trough with integral hinge tabs and hinge notches on the bottomedge and both ends. The top hast a ¾″ hem, turned inwards towards theinside center of the cleaner.

[0024]2.—The back piece making up one wall of the collapsible fishcleaning trough with integral hinge tabs and hinge notches on the bottomedge and both ends. The top has a ¾″ hem, turned inwards towards theinside center of the cleaner.

[0025]3.—The angular end piece which meshes hinge tabs and notches withpart 2. The top matches the height of the hem at the intersection pointon part 2 and is at the angle specified in drawing FIG. 4.

[0026]3.1—(3.) has a radius cut out of it on the opposite end of the topwhich corresponds to the center hinge location. The radius will form a180 degree radius cut out when joined by the integral hinge tabs of theadjoining piece.

[0027]4. The angular end piece which meshes hinge tabs and notches withpart 3 in the center and with part 1 on the outside. The top matches theheight of the hem at the intersection point on part 1

[0028]4.1—(4.) has a radius cut out of it on the opposite end of the topwhich corresponds to the center hinge location. The radius will form a180 degree radius cut out when joined by the integral hinge tabs of part3.

[0029]5.—Identical to part 4, for the opposite end of part 1.

[0030]5.1—Identical to 4.1 , for the opposite end of part 1.

[0031]6.—Identical to part 3, for the opposite end of part 2.

[0032]6.1—Identical to part 3.1 for the opposite end of part 2.

[0033]7.—The support flange attached to the exterior surface (sideopposite top hem) of part 2.

[0034]7.—The position of the support flange on part 2.

[0035]8.—The bottom (horizontal) hinge pin joining parts 1 and 2.

[0036]9.—The center vertical hinge pin joining parts 3 to 4 and 5 to 6.

[0037]10.—The corner vertical hinge pins joining part 2 to parts 3 and5. The corner vertical hinge pins joining part 1 to parts 4 and 6.

[0038]11.—Bottom (horizontal) tab and notch hinge interface portion ofpart 1 and part 2.

[0039]11.1—Bottom tabs after forming to 270 degree radius around{fraction (3/16)}″ hinge pin.

[0040]11.2—Bottom notch between formed tabs.

[0041]12.—Tab and notch hinge interface from part 2 to part 5.

[0042]12.1—Tabs of part 2 and part 5 hinge interface after forming to270 degree radius around {fraction (3/16)}″ hinge pin.

[0043]12.2—Notch between formed tabs.

[0044]13.—Tab and notch hinge interface from part 2 to part 3.

[0045]13.1—Tabs of part 2 and part 3 hinge interface after forming to270 degree radius around {fraction (3/16)}″ hinge pin.

[0046]13.2—Notch between formed tabs.

[0047]14.—Tab and notch hinge interface from part 1 to part 6.

[0048]4.1—Tabs of part 1 and part 6 hinge interface after forming to 270degree radius around {fraction (3/16)}″ hinge pin.

[0049]14.2—Notch between formed tabs

[0050]15.—Tab and notch hinge interface from part 1 to part 4.

[0051]15.1—Tabs of part 1 and part 4 hinge interface after forming to270 degree radius around {fraction (3/16)}″ hinge pin.

[0052]15.2—Notch between formed tabs

[0053]16.—Top edge of flat cutout part 1 which will form the inside edgeof the ¾ inch inside hem.

[0054]17.—The hem line which will form the top edge of part 1 when the ¾inch hem is made.

[0055]18.—Top hem 32×″¾″ on parts 1 & 2.

[0056]19.—Holes for footman strap loop attachment.

[0057]19.1—¼″ diameter, ½ long stainless steel phillips head screw.

[0058]19.2—¼″ diameter nylon insert lock nut.

[0059]20.—Footman loop.

[0060]21.—Holes in part 2 and part 7 for affixing part 7 to part 2.

[0061]21.1—¼″ diameter×½ long aluminum rivet to attaching Part 7 to part2.

[0062]22.—Tab and notch hinge interface from part 3 to part 4 and part 6to part 5.

[0063]22.1—Tabs of hinge interface from parts 3 to part 4 and part 6 topart 5.

[0064]22.2—Notches between formed tabs.

[0065]23.—Tab and notch hinge interface from part 4 to part 3 and part 5to part 6.

[0066]23.1—Tabs of hinge interface from part 4 to part 3 and part 5 topart 6.

[0067]23.2—Notches between formed tabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] (Description of the preferred Embodiments—How to make and useit.)

[0069] A flat pattern, FIG. 1 & 2 (BWC2-001 & BWC2-002) is laid out onaccording to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 for parts 1, 2 and 7 including all taband notch interfaces, holes and hem, items: 1, 2, 7,7.1, 11, 12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 and 21. The material is intended to be 0.080″ gaugealuminum for this application, but the invention idea may utilize othermaterials to produce a similar devise with equivalent alternativematerial(s). The pattern made along the bottom hinge interface (FIG. 1,11) of parts 1 and 2 of both pieces in an alternating tab and notchpattern. The combined measurements of one notch and one tab is twoinches. The unit pattern is set up so that this 16 tab and 16 notch longpattern can be either lengthened or shortened in 2 inch increments(pitch) without making any significant design changes in the pattern ofthese two pieces. End play is ⅛″ based upon the tab width of {fraction(15/16)}″ and notch width of 1-{fraction (1/16)}″. Addition orsubtraction in length in this manor requires the following two minorchanges in addition to the tab and notch change. The length of the hingepin (FIGS. 5, 8) and the length of the top hem (FIGS. 1, 18 and FIGS. 2,18) are amended to match the change in 2 inch increments. All otherparts herein discussed in this section (0001 through 0027-end) remainunchanged.

[0070] A flat pattern, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 (BWC2-003 & BWC2-004) is laidout according to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 for parts 3,6, 4 and 5 andcomponents: 3.1,4.1,5.1,6.1, 12, 12.1,12.2, 13,13.1 13.2, 14, 14.1,14.2,15,15.1, 15.2, 22, 22.1,22.1, 23, 23.2, 23.2.

[0071] The outside perimeter lines are cut from 0001 and 0002 asspecified. Means of choice is computer-assisted plasma cutter or laser,or by means of a manually operated bandsaw. A commercial fabricator(Versatech, Portland, Oreg.) has been utilized to perform the cuttingbased on specification provided herein. The methodology is common tosimilar fabrication shops. A comparable product can be achieved byutilization of a high quality bandsaw to follow the specified layout ofthe pattern for the perimeter layout. Holes corresponding to 19 and 21are either punched @0.28125 to accommodate 0.25″ hardware or drilled0.28125 to accommodate 0.25″ diameter hardware in the flat fabrication.

[0072] The single piece flat pattern designs (FIGS. 1-4) are intended tobe bent by a commercial fabricator in press equipment to a 135 degree“U” shape for all hinge interfaces utilizing a {fraction (3/16)} ( or¼″) die (FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). The result is a {fraction (3/16)}″ “U”shaped hinge radius, ready to be closed with the insertion of the hingepin and subsequent press application pressure to the leading edgesubsequently closing the hinge. The specific orientation of the hingebends is detailed in FIG. 7.

[0073] The length of the rolled part of the tab is determined asfollows. The hinge diameter dimension is calculated(0.080+0.080+0.1875=0.3475″). The circumference of a circlecorresponding to the hinge diameter equals a full circle measurement of1.0917″. However the leading edge of the tab contacts itself on closureat 294 degrees of bend, requiring only 81.667%, (294/360 degrees) ofthis circumference measurement (FIG. 9.) This results in 0.8916″ of thetab material being bent. The balance of the tab is left unbent and inthe original plane of the whole part to which it is a sub-component. Themidpoint of this bent measurement (0.4458″) is the distance from theleading edge to the break point of the 135 degree press bend performedby the commercial fabricator (or independently if not subcontracted out)with a press and {fraction (3/16)} die. The distance to the break pointis not critical as long as: A. All parts are done with the break pointidentical to one another and B. There is enough tab material that whenperforming the steps below for hinge closure and the closed hinge cannotbe disassembled without manual pin removal. An ideal closure of thehinge places the leading tab edge in close contact with itself near thestart of the hinge-tab radius bend FIG. 9, Part 11.1.

[0074] Alternative technology to achieve a closed hinge is an acceptablealternative to that developed by Big Water Company, but does notrepresent change to the (significant) idea which is the basis of thisinvention. A commercial hinge die tool which uses a 3 step or 1 stepprocess to form and bend the hinge is available which performs the samefunction as described in sept

[0075] is available. It is manufactured by Wilson Tool International,U.K. Other similar manufacturing tools may also be available that willproduce a similarly acceptable alternative to making your own toolingfor this manufacturing function.

[0076] If outsourced, delivery of the parts processed as detailed above[0001-0004] to the Big Water Company (or other) assembly facility(in theinstance of outsourcing) constitutes the continuation of a manufactureprocess toward completion. Inspection and confirmation of the accuracyof specifications from FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 must be made andaccepted as within tolerance before continuing. Otherwise the process isa seamless continuation from [0005] to [0008]through this point.

[0077] Hinge closing is accomplished in a hydraulic press. A hingeclosing tool (manufactured by Big Water Company-Richardson Brothers)modeled after commercial hinge tool dies, four ea. of 1 inch wide by 4inches,long ×¾″ thick steel fingers attached to a ½ diameter rod with a1 inch wide spacing. The fingers of the tool are set with the end of thefingers slightly overlapping the tabs to be bent with the rod portionaway from the end of the tab. A hydraulic press cylinder is drivendownward onto the fingers, at their midpoint. As compression occurs, thefingers rotate downward on the radius of the connecting rod and completeclosing the hinge tab from its 135 degree semi closed position to itsfinished position near or at the 270 degree contact point.

[0078] Parts 1 and 2 are combined at 11 (FIG. 1) & (ref FIG. 8) 11.2 and11.3 and the hinge is closed from the 135 degree position to 270 degreeclosed hinge position with the hinge pin (part 8) inside the radius.(tool and methodology in [0008].

[0079] Part 3, FIG. 7, 22.1 and Part 4, FIG. 7, 23.1 are combined withhinge pin Part 9, FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 and the hinge is closed from the 135degree position to the 270 degree closed hinge completion.

[0080] Part 5 and Part 6 are combined by process [0005] with part 9 asin [0005].

[0081] Part 3 and Part 2 are combined at 10 (FIGS. 5 and 7) and thehinge is closed from the 135 degree position to 270 degree closed hingeposition with part 10 inside the radius.

[0082] Part 5 and part 2 are combined at 10 (FIGS. 5 and 7) and thehinge is closed from the 135 degree position to 270 degree closed hingeposition with part 10 inside the radius.

[0083] Hinge pin 9 at intersection of parts 3 and 4 and parts 5 and 6 ispulled (removed).

[0084] Part 4 and Part 1 are combined at 10 (FIGS. 5 and 7) and thehinge is closed from the 135 degree position to 270 degree closed hingeposition with part 10 inside the radius.

[0085] Part 6 and Part 1 are combined at 10 (FIGS. 5 and 7) and thehinge is closed from the 135 degree position to 270 degree closed hingeposition with part 10 inside the radius.

[0086] Rivets (21.1) are inserted from the inside through hole (21) ofpart 2 and then through hole 21 of part 7. Rivets are compressed,pulling together parts 7 and 2 forming the support flange. A hydraulicpress and ½″ capping tool is used to form a conical compressed rivethead on the exterior of devise and flange. The support flange, at a 120degree bend angle is flush on part 2 at location 7.1 and extends awayfrom part 2 perpendicular to the centerline (9) of the cleaner ( alsothe gravitational orientation) in its open and ready to use application.

[0087] The hinge interfaces of parts 3 & 4 and parts 5 & 6 are realignedand interfaced lining up all the hinge tabs. Hinge pin 9 is reinstalledat intersection of parts 3 and 4 and parts 5 and 6. (This is bestaccomplished in a collapsed position).

[0088] Two Footman loops(20) are installed in part 2, holes 19 with 4 ea¼″×½″ stainless steel phillips head screws and 4 ea ¼″ nylon insert locknuts.

[0089] Variations on the attachment of the devise do not offer anychange to the embodiments of the overall invention herein discussed andtaught above. Two nylon straps secure the StowAway fish cleaner toattachment points (supplied hardware or other suggested methods) in oron the boat. Each strap is attached to a footman loop on the cleaner bya loop of nylon strapping formed by two strap slides (or other adjustingfastener appropriate to the strap utilized). On the opposite end of thestrap a harness clip (or suitable positive fastening substitution) witha strap loop appropriate the strap utilized. The strap is passed through2 each strap slides (also appropriate), through the strap loop of theharness clip and back through each slide, placing the harness clip in asecured loop of strap. This completes the attachment hardware for theinvention.

[0090] The resulting completed mechanism from the previous steps ofmanufacture offers a difference not previously available by means of a,secured fish cleaning trough with ends, creating a fully enclosed “box”in the “open Position” that can be effectively used in place of otherfish cleaning boxes and/or trays yet is of integral one piece assembleddesign, that can be folded flat for stowage. The folded cleaner isessentially flat when collapsed for stowage and can fit in spaces whereother fish cleaning trays troughs or devises might not be stored.

[0091] MEANS OF USE

[0092] After making or obtaining the Big Water Company StowAway Fishcleaner, install the two retainment/support loops (½ loop, {fraction(2)}″ long, #10 screw) or alternative fastening attachments (eye boltsor other means) to the gunnel or inside structure of the boat. Theselected attachment location should have adequate structural integrityto support the stress created by the Stow Away and the load placed inthe cleaner. Various modifications for attachment are possible and thebest option is encouraged for use based upon determination of personalapplication. Some improvement suggestions for added strength are: Nutand bolt or eye-bolt and nut instead of a thread tapping screw (whichrelies on the thread strength of the material. It is recommended use ofthe alternative attachments for load in excess of 30 lb, or in materials(wood, fiberglass, etc) other than aluminum boat gunnel or otherstructure it is being screwed to). Variations on the attachment of thedevise do not offer any change to the embodiments of the overallinvention herein discussed and taught above.

[0093] Assemble support straps through footman loops.

[0094] Assemble the Harness loop to opposite end of strap. AttachHarness loop to [0016]means of attachment to boat.

[0095] Set open and ready StowAway on side gunnel of boat with supportflange resting on gunnel. Hold and determine correct strap length forboat application. Adjust strap at either [0024] or [0025].

[0096] Adjust strap length to allow Stow Away to rest with end centerhinge piece (part 9) approximately vertical or slanted slightly inwardsat the top, towards boat.

[0097] Place fish in open cleaning trough and process.

[0098] Upon completion of all cleaning details, rinse StowAway and foldends out, closing cleaner. Securing the folded cleaner, remove strap endharness snaps from retainment hardware and place cleaner in storagearea. The cleaner is ready for subsequent use by (1) ,attachment of: theharness snaps to their securement points, (2) placement of the cleaneron the support flange and (3) opening the StowAway cleaner, (1-2-3) forall additional uses.

[0099] Modifications in design and variations upon this can obviously bemade on this present invention in light of the above teachings. Thesedetails in the above description illustrate some preferred embodimentsand should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A mechanical apparatus to allow cleaning of fish over theside of most boats which folds flat for storage when not in use.
 2. Theapparatus opens to a provide a secured “box” type trough withcollapsible ends and sides as a one piece assembly comprised of end,front and back pieces, a gunnel edge support flange and hinge pins. 3.The apparatus which when secured by straps to the side of a boatprovides a cleaning apparatus (station) which allows cleaning of fishwith drainage away from the side of the boat. The tray (trough) whichholds fish and normal cleaning tools outside of the boat, whileoperating as a temporary integral part of the boat is easily removed andstored when not in use, folding to a flat, configuration of theintegrally hinged components without dis-assembly and opened for usewithout any re-assembly required. The intended, folded configuration iswith the center of the end hinges folded outwards for the flattestconfiguration.
 4. The apparatus hinge components are designed as aintegral part of the components. This represents the preferred method ofmanufacture, although commercially produced hinges welded in place couldbe used to accomplish manufacturing a reasonably similar infunctionality. We claim both designs as being of the same idea, with theintegral hinge design being the preferred method of embodiment and ofthe Big Water Company invention design.
 5. The hinge components aredesigned to allow drainage of blood, water and small viscera through thehinge notches.
 6. The unit is made of 0.080 gauge aluminum for the 7flat stock pieces, but is not limited to this gauge or type of materialfor the invention idea. (Plastic injection molded fabrication may be afeasible substitution for the aluminum fabrication and alternatives suchas this are considered part of the invention idea for this apparatus).Suitable Stainless Steel sheet metal may be substituted for the 0.080gauge aluminum for a more durable (more expensive-deluxe) version withinthe scope of this invention idea.
 7. The hinges are made of {fraction(3/16)} stainless steel rod stock but is not limited to this gauge ortype of material for the invention idea.
 8. The means of making theinvention [0001-0021] and means of use [0022-0029] are considered anintegral part of these claims of invention.
 9. Modifications in designand variations upon this can obviously be made on this present inventionin light of the above teachings. These details in the above descriptionillustrate some preferred embodiments and should not be construed as alimitation on the scope of the invention.